Torsten Bünnagel

European Fuel Cell Manager at Tanaka Precious Metals / Metalor Technologies

Marin-Epagnier, Neuchâtel, Switzerland

About

Commercial and technical leader in hydrogen and precious-metal catalysts, responsible for European activities for fuel-cell and electrolyser materials at Tanaka Precious Metals and Metalor Technologies. With a background in polymer and materials chemistry, my career has focused on platinum-group-metal applications across electronics, catalysis and today’s energy transition. I work at the interface of R&D, industrialization and supply chain, supporting partners scaling PEM fuel cells and PEM water electrolysers, with particular emphasis on performance, durability and circular metal management (Pt, Ir, Ru). I collaborate with research institutes, start-ups, OEMs and chemical companies across Europe, Japan and the United States, and welcome exchanges on hydrogen technologies, catalyst development and precious-metal recycling.

Experience

  • European Fuel Cell Manager at Metalor Technologies SA
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    I manage Tanaka’s European Fuel Cell portfolio end-to-end—commercial strategy, key accounts, and technical commercialization of PGM-based catalysts and components for PEM fuel cells and electrolysers. My mandate: grow revenue, secure reliable PGM supply (Pt/Ir/Ru), and accelerate customer programs via co-development with Tanaka’s global R&D and refining network. I convert market and policy signals into concrete opportunities, structure value-based pricing, and build closed-loop recycling models that improve total cost of ownership and sustainability.

  • Managing Director at BASF Catalysts Italia S.r.l.
    Feb 2023 - Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    Representing BASF Environmental Catalyst and Metal Solutions (ECMS)

  • Global Applied Technology Manager at BASF
    2021 - Sep 2025 · 4 yrs 9 mos

    Responsibility for development and launch of new processes and technologies within BASF. Management of Process Development Team and Technology Collaborations. Leadership of Global Technology Harmonisation.

  • Johnson Matthey (9 yrs 6 mos)
    • Sales & Marketing Manager - Chemical Products
      Feb 2019 - Feb 2021 · 2 yrs 1 mo

      Global business development responsibility for PGM and non-PGM containing Organometallics for Electronics, OLEDs, Hydrosilylation, Hydroformylation, and other markets. Sales Management for PGM containing chemical products for Aviation, Electrochemical Processes, Sensors, etc in Europe and Asia.

    • Sales & Marketing Manager - Organometallic Products & Materials Services
      Mar 2017 - Feb 2019 · 2 yrs

      Sales & Marketing Manager aiming to commercialise innovative materials in the areas of organometallic compounds used in Hydrosilylation or Hydroformylation processes and the Electronics Industry.

    • Sales Manager EMEA - Performance Chemicals - Platinum Group Metal Services
      Aug 2016 - Mar 2017 · 8 mos

      Sales Manager aiming to commercialise innovative materials in the areas of organometallic compounds, PGM blacks and other novel metal containing materials used in a number of advanced chemical processes and technical applications.

  • Cambridge Display Technology (4 yrs 5 mos)
    • Scientist
      Apr 2010 - Aug 2011 · 1 yr 5 mos

      Strategic Innovation Group, Advanced Device Technology and Deep Blue Cross-organization project; high risk development of new materials and device structures outside the existent portfolio of CDT seeking to develop next generation polymer OLED and OFET technology.

    • Scientist
      Apr 2007 - Mar 2010 · 3 yrs

      Sumitomo Chemical Research Team, White Team and Lighting Development of new materials and device architectures for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) used in displays and white light applications.